Should diabetics be more concerned about blood pressure?

The warning follows an analysis of NHS data collected in England, which showed that during recent years nearly 50% of diabetics had not hit their ideal blood pressure and the numbers were still too high. Ideally blood pressure should be below 120/80; with diabetes sufferers afforded a slightly "lower" target at 130/80. If left untreated, high blood pressure can be dangerous and is known to increase the risk of heart disease, kidney failure and stroke.

Based on the National Diabetes Audit, which includes 9 out of 10 people diagnosed with the condition, replicating the risk factor for the whole of the United Kingdom means that nearly 2.9 million people with diabetes are at risk of high blood pressure, which could cause further health complications.

"People with diabetes need to be aware that high blood pressure can have a hugely damaging effect on their health," said Diabetes UK chief executive Barbara Young. "[Instead] we are in danger of high blood pressure becoming the norm in people with the condition." She added that this was one of the reasons why there are a record number of stroke and kidney failure cases through the country at present with mortality rates creeping higher as well.

Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the chronic disease, requires medication like Metformin to be managed effectively. Type 1 diabetes is far rarer, but sufferers need regular insulin injections to treat the condition. Both forms of management require discipline and constant attention, and it's believed that the constant focus is probably what detracts attention away from monitoring blood pressure.

While this should also be the responsibility of the individual, a Department of Health spokesman issued a statement saying that health professionals should play a larger role in reducing the associated risks. This involves making sure that diabetics with high blood pressure receive regular health checks, to monitor any further developments, as well as provide high blood pressure treatment like Ramipril if necessary.

If you believe you may be suffering from diabetes, symptoms can include excessive thirst or weight loss, you can find the appropriate diabetes test at LabsDirect. Alternatively, if you suffer from high blood pressure, you can find a number of high blood pressure treatments at OnlineClinic.